Tramadol is a generic name for a synthetic pain reliever used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. The medication is an opiod and like all other opiod pain relievers Tramadol binds to the opiod receptors in the brain.

The brand name for Tramadol is Ultram ® (tramadol hydrochloride) which is a central analgesic for pain. Its chemical name is (±)cis-2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3methoxyphenyl) cyclohexanol hydrochloride.

Tramadol is only available by prescription and is available in generic form. Tramadol is available in immediate release 50 mg tablets and extended release tablets of 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300mg variations.

Tramadol must be stored in a child resistant sealed container at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not under any circumstances give Tramadol to anyone it is not prescribed for. Keep in a safe location.

If you have children especially teenagers, keep Tramadol in a secure location that they cannot easily access. Recent trends indicate that teen drug abuse begins in the medicine cabinet of an unsuspecting parent.

Take Tramadol exactly as it has been prescribed for you by your Doctor. Tramadol like other pain management medications can be abused and is considered a controlled substance. Tramadol should only be taken under physicians supervision. An individual should not stop taking Tramadol alone. After use of Tranmadol for an extended period of time the potential for dependence exists. Therefore, professional assistance is best when attempting to eliminate use of the medication. Please note that abrupt withdrawal of tramadol can result in severe anxiety, sweating, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, and/or hallucinations as well.

The recommended dosage for Tramadol immediate release tablets is 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain management, with a maximum dosage of 400 mg per day. Individuals should begin with 25 mg 4 times daily for 3 days and then increase by 25 mgs every 3 days until 100 mg max dosage is reached in order to improve tolerance steadily.

Tramadol extended release tablets is 100 mg daily dosage as needed for pain, increasing by 100 mg every 5 days and not exceeding 300 mg daily. There are several Tramadol drug interactions you should be aware of. If you take any of the following: Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR , Equetro, Carbatrol), Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Parnate) or Selective Serotonin Inhibitors (SSRIs, like Fluoxetine -- Prozac) please consult your doctor. Carbamazepine and Quinidine reduces the effectiveness of Tramadol. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or Selective Serotonin Inhibitors may result in seizures or the condition, Serotonin Syndrome. You should never consume alcohol with Tramadol as it may increase central nervous system and respiratory depression.

Tramadol commonly reported side effects include nausea, constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and/or vomiting. Less commonly reported side effects include itching, sweating, dry mouth, diarrhea, rash, visual disturbances, and vertigo. Some patients have reported seizures, however you may be more susceptible to seizures if you have a history of seizures, history of alcoholism, abuse, drug addiction, head injury, concussions, or taking other mental health medications. You should notify your doctor if you have a history of seizures or any of these other issues.


Additionally it may be necessary to adjust the dosage of Tramadol for individuals with liver or kidney disease, any stomach disorders, or mental health history including depression or a history of suicide attempt(s).
Tramadol may be habit forming therefore you should not take Tramadol if you have a history of addiction or alcoholism. Seek emergency medical attention if you have used too much Tramadol due to the fact that an overdose can be fatal to you. Overdose symptoms may include shallow breathing, dizziness, a decreased heartbeat, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, sweating, or loss of consciousness.

Do not use Tramadol in any other form other than tablet, Tramadol is meant to be utilized as an oral tablet only. For instance do not crush to inhale or dilute to inject Tramadol due to the potential of serious risk to your health including overdose, coma or death.

Do not take Tramadol if you are drinking alcohol, taking benzodiazepines, tranquilizers, anti-deppresants, psychotropic medications or any street drugs.

Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking Tramadol. Tramadol can impair your thinking and reactions so be cautious when doing any activity that requires alertness and concentration.

Use Tramadol exactly as prescribed by your Doctor. Do not adjust dosage without consulting your Doctor. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you realize you missed it. It is best to utilize a daily planner or dosage cups for proper dosing. If you are close to your next dose, it is best to skip the dose you have missed and wait for the second dose. Do not take a double dose. Do not attempt to take Tramadol if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to it. If you have stomach issues, as with all medications inform your doctor. There is the possibility that Tramadol may alleviate the symptoms not the illness, making the actual problem difficult to diagnose.

The safety of Tramadol during pregnancy or for nursing mothers has not been established. However Tramadol is a FDA category C medication. Tramadol may be harmful to your unborn baby including the potential for birth defects and fatality to the fetus. Additionally it is not recommended to take Tramadol if you are breast feeding. The safety of your child is too important. Tramadol should not be taken by anyone under the age of 18.